I bought the 2.0 because it was so cheap when the three new models came out. The 2.0 is equivalent to the muse with the double glass optic, which is $150. All the models give the same effect using the same optic. As far as miniaturization, it doesn't have a lot of potential for shifting the plane of focus like a real T/S lens. The final effect is pretty much just blur on the edges no matter what, although you can move the sweet spot around. Even with limitations, It's a fun thing to play around with and for the price you paid, I think it's well worth it.

I've never understood these 'Lensbaby' things. They just kinda produce gross looking out of focus photos...why would you pay for degredated image quality? Excuse my ignorance if i'm missing something here, but these things seem kind of ludicrous and i'm amazed that they actually sell...

In a world of digital precision and debates over the sharpness of this lens over that, I think sometimes the art takes a backseat to technical perfection. Sharp images have their place, but I also like the low quality look of blur and softness. It's like lo-fi indie musicians recording on an old 4 track tape recorder. Why do that? There's a magic there. It has a quality that no audiophile can understand. All I'm talking about is alternative photography methods in general, not the lensbaby, specifically. I do think they are a little too ubiquitous and some of the wonder of truly raw, lo-fi photography gets lost in the trend.

siuleung wrote in post #8210314In a world of digital precision and debates over the sharpness of this lens over that, I think sometimes the art takes a backseat to technical perfection. Sharp images have their place, but I also like the low quality look of blur and softness. It's like lo-fi indie musicians recording on an old 4 track tape recorder. Why do that? There's a magic there. It has a quality that no audiophile can understand. All I'm talking about is alternative photography methods in general, not the lensbaby, specifically. I do think they are a little too ubiquitous and some of the wonder of truly raw, lo-fi photography gets lost in the trend.

Really good discussion here. I figured for $75 on Amazon it was cool to try out. It just came yesterday, but haven't had a chance yet to play with it. I got the 2.0 version which I understand can produce the same images as the more expensive models out today including the Muse, Composer, and Control Freak. My hope is that mine is just a little harder to use, but can yield the same types of shots. I couldn't see spending much more than the $75 for something I may not like or use.

John

"Loving the learning and all the memories captured along the way"Canon 6DFull Gear List

jraggio wrote in post #8211511Really good discussion here. I figured for $75 on Amazon it was cool to try out. It just came yesterday, but haven't had a chance yet to play with it. I got the 2.0 version which I understand can produce the same images as the more expensive models out today including the Muse, Composer, and Control Freak. My hope is that mine is just a little harder to use, but can yield the same types of shots. I couldn't see spending much more than the $75 for something I may not like or use.

John

Yeah, for $75, it's at least worth a shot.

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I've had one for a few years now and got some really nice shots from it. The miss rate is pretty high, but as you learn better how to use it you'll gradually improve. Even if it bugs you a bit to start with just stick with it. Once you are used to the lens it can provide some great shots.

And really, once you have got used to the 2.0 you'll see why people are willing to spend more for the better versions.

Agnu wrote in post #8205369I've never understood these 'Lensbaby' things. They just kinda produce gross looking out of focus photos...why would you pay for degredated image quality? Excuse my ignorance if i'm missing something here, but these things seem kind of ludicrous and i'm amazed that they actually sell...

Citizensmith wrote in post #8213990I've had one for a few years now and got some really nice shots from it. The miss rate is pretty high, but as you learn better how to use it you'll gradually improve. Even if it bugs you a bit to start with just stick with it. Once you are used to the lens it can provide some great shots.

And really, once you have got used to the 2.0 you'll see why people are willing to spend more for the better versions.

Thanks, but what makes them "better"? Is it because they are easier to control and use? I sit true that all three models provide the same image styles and results? In other words is there a certain effect or shot that one could get with a composer that they could not get with a Muse or 2.0?

John

"Loving the learning and all the memories captured along the way"Canon 6DFull Gear List

jraggio wrote in post #8215935Thanks, but what makes them "better"? Is it because they are easier to control and use? I sit true that all three models provide the same image styles and results? In other words is there a certain effect or shot that one could get with a composer that they could not get with a Muse or 2.0?

John

When I got my 2.0 there was a cheaper version with a single piece, uncoated lens, and a more expensive version with, I believe, the same glass but pins for holding it in place. Can't remember what it was called. So two levels of optics and two levels of control. I'm unsure if the more advanced one could be controlled anyway aside from the pins which would make it slow to use and more suited for tripod work, versus the quicker reaction of the 2.0

The 2.0 has become the Muse, the older advanced version the Control Freak, and the Composer is new in the middle. The 2.0 has the double glass optic which is good as they offer. The only reason it seems to get a Muse over a 2.0 is that the muse would let you swap out optics for some of their other choices.

So basically, the 2.0 has optics as good as any of the others and it all comes down to control and the possibility of swapping optics.

ok while i had my lensbaby composer the lens was an awesome fun thing to shoot with! i had it attached to my rebel XT and took that combo everywhere! i was shooting anything and looking for ideas on what to shoot! the images come as good as you make them to be. unfortunately i sold it to finance my 5d but when i have the money again i will definitely buy one along with an XT to have as a "fun setup"

ohh and one last thing! if you are using it it a camera with a poor viewfinder camera like the XT or if you have poor eyesight i recommend using it at F4 you have wider margin for focus

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